Federal Disaster Funds Ordered For Alaska To Aid Local Government Storm Recovery
Release Date: March 14, 2005
Release Number: HQ-05-054
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that federal disaster funds have been made available for Alaska to help local governments in the North Slope Borough recover from the effects of a recent severe winter storm.
Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, said President Bush authorized the aid under a major disaster declaration issued following a review of FEMA’s analysis of the state’s request for federal assistance. The declaration covers damage to public property from the storm that occurred over the period of January 7-12.
After the President’s action, Brown designated the North Slope Borough eligible for federal funding to pay the state and affected local governments and certain private non-profit organizations 75 percent of the approved costs for emergency work and the restoration of damaged facilities.
In addition, Brown said federal funds will be available to the state on a cost-shared basis for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks. He indicated that more areas and additional forms of assistance may be designated later if warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
William Lokey of FEMA was named by Brown to coordinate the federal relief effort. Lokey said that procedures for requesting assistance will be explained at a series of applicant briefings at locations to be announced shortly in the affected area.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 16-Mar-2005 13:35:57